Community responses to soil remediation for lead exposure reduction in Mirzapur, Bangladesh

Lead-acid batteries are widely used for their affordability, availability, and reusability. However, an increase in unregulated and informal recycling, especially of batteries used in electric three-wheelers, has led to widespread environmental contamination in low and middle-income countries. To address this contamination, soil remediation is a proven potential approach that has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing blood lead levels, but its community responses have not been well documented. This study aimed to explore implementation challenges and achievements, and to assess community perceptions and responses to a soil remediation intervention in Bangladesh.

A soil remediation intervention was developed and implemented from January through May 2022 in two abandoned lead-acid battery recycling facilities in Mirzapur, a subdistrict in Bangladesh. A qualitative investigation was undertaken in September 2023 to explore the perceptions and responses of residents living near the recycling site and intervention implementers. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling with variation in proximity to the site, exposure to the intervention, and community role. Data were collected through 30 in-depth interviews, 6 key informant interviews, and 2 gender-segregated focus group discussions (n = 14). Thematic analysis was performed using an inductive approach.

From the implementation perspective, key achievements included successful soil removal, local labor involvement, and visible environmental improvements, while challenges included limited community outreach, communication gaps, logistical constraints, and a lack of follow-up monitoring. Following remediation, participants reported perceived improvements in crop production, livestock health, and children's well-being. Risk perceptions were greatly influenced by economic and livelihood concerns, with less emphasis on lead-related health risks. Participants expressed concerns about the safety of soil excavation near homes and the burial of contaminated soil. Key informants acknowledged the need for stronger community engagement, improved communication, and greater transparency to enhance acceptance.

The findings indicate that, although participants perceived environmental and health benefits, gaps in communication, engagement, and transparency in implementation affected overall acceptance. Future interventions should prioritize early community involvement, culturally appropriate communication, and safe waste management systems to improve effectiveness and scalability.